Some Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have aired their grievances over the Traditional Institution Stratification Bill recently passed on the floor of the Akwa Ibom State House of assembly, emphasizing that the bill is totally unacceptable.
The Paramount rulers insist on a rotatory rulership of the Akwa Ibom State traditional rulers council as it has been even before the independence of Nigeria in 1960 and the creation of Akwa Ibom State 36 years ago to foster peaceful coexistence and cordiality between the Ibibio, Annang and Oron ethnic groups.
Akwa Ibom State traditional rulers council may be facing a division following the recent law to end the rotational headship of the council, and make the President General position permanently for the Ibibio ethnic group.
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Monarchs from Annang and Oro nations have rejected the bill and frowned at members representing Annang and Oro nations in the state house of assembly for allegedly not consulting key stakeholders before going ahead to pass the bill.
Meanwhile, indigenes from Annang and Oro nations have also staged a peaceful protest at the Traditional Rulers Council gate in Uyo to register their rejection of same bill.
All Paramount rulers from Annang and Oro nations were absent at the event of the State’s 36th anniversary and installation of the President General of the TRC.
Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu